I'm transferring (separate tickets, with baggage) from UL to VS next week. Of course, the very unlikely ideal would be for UL to through-check my bags to LHR.

I have an Indian visa and over eight hours between flights, which should be more than sufficient to clear immigration, collect and re-check bags. If everything goes to schedule, rather too long... I have Priority Pass access to the arrivals lounge, but that apparently limits stays to 2hrs, which will be up probably a good two hours before VS opens check-in.

So, any recent experience of this at BLR? Does VS ever open check-in more than the published 3.5 hours pre-flight? Any early bag-drop facility? Is it possible to extend arrivals lounge access with another PP credit or cash? Any other lounges or other recommended places to wait? Any advice gratefully received - thanks.